Made in China

Made in China is now a mark of distinction, at least in the case of Factory 5 bikes. Born from the blood and sweat of my good high school friend Jeff Liu, the Canadian import Tyler Bowa, and partners, Factory 5 has been doing awesome custom frame building and classic restoration, while giving rise to an invigorated fixed gear and urban cycling scene that was strangely absent in a country where everyone rides a bike. Their portfolio is worth a look. In their latest big move, they will be playing host to some big names in a tour across China.

More words and pictures after the jump.

Jeff came to visit from Shanghai last fall and suitcased his fixed gear. We got in some good ride time, despite me catching a gnarly right hook from a truck, and noshed some killer pickles and beer from Stein’s. He mentioned to me that on the way home he was stopping in San Francisco to meet with Mission Workshop and pick up a bunch of gear to courier back into China, to beat insane import taxes.

Jeff came bearing gifts. Custom bottle opener made from an old fork and Brooks tape. Rad.

What he didn’t mention was that he and Mission Workshop would also be having secret meetings with John Watson of Prolly is Not Probably to hammer out the details of a bike tour across China. MW and PiNP could not have picked a better guide on their mission. The endeavor would be to explore and document bike culture and the beauty of China. When the news broke on PiNP days ago, I couldn’t wait to congratulate Jeff and F5 on this awesome collaboration.These guys are doing big things and I cannot wait to see what comes of this.